Costa Rica

Costa Rica Deals

Costa Rica: Vacation to San Jose from Montreal

Costa Rica

Snaking its way between both North and South America, the small country of Costa Rica is more than your typical tropical destination. Bordering both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Costa Rica packs a punch by combining stunning views, incredible biodiversity, and exciting adventure that will meet the needs of every thrill-seeker.

Occupying a privileged spot in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica not only offers beautiful ocean-side beaches but also stunning views from every elevation. Hike to the top of a volcano or glide across the ocean floor, zip between trees in the rainforest or head down some whitewater rapids; whatever you’re into, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Climate

The weather in Costa Rica is split into two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season runs from May until early December with an average of four or more hours of sunlight per day. The Atlantic side of the country gets more rain than the Pacific except in July and August when the opposite is true. The rainy season, specifically December and January, is said to be the best season to travel to Costa Rica.

The dry season begins near the end of November and continues until the end of April. During this season, vegetation is less lush as some areas begin to resemble an African savannah or desert.

In lowland areas like the North, Guanacaste, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and the Osa Peninsula, temperatures range between 15°C and 45°C. Temperatures near the ocean range between 23°C and 30°C. Temperatures in highland areas like the Central Valley, the Cordilleras Guanacaste Tilaran, Central, and Talamanca, can reach up to 30°C.

Getting Around

International Airport

Juan Santamaria International Airport and Daniel Obuder International AIrport

Taxis

Taxis are abundantly available throughout the country

The only legal taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side, within the cities all others posing as taxis are illegal and likely not insured to take passengers

Local Transport

With one of the best public transportation systems in Latin America, Costa Rica’s local city buses will take you almost anywhere within city limits

Intercity buses are inexpensive, widely available and you can expect to pay less than $15 USD to ride anywhere in the country

Car rental will require a valid driver’s license and passport for international tourists

Toll booths are coming on some of the major highways

While You’re There

Spoken Languages

Official language of Costa Rica is Spanish with English as the most common second language

Currencies

The official currency is the Colon (CRC), but some large hotels and restaurants accept US dollars

Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist towns but you won’t be able to use them in more rural areas

ATMs are scattered throughout the country and can be found at large hotels

Advertisement

Social

Our Partners

Sign up now for fresh travel inspirations, deals, contests and more every week from TravelAlerts.ca

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING!

Sign me up to receive handpicked travel deals, special offers, promotions, notices, communications and other information that may be of interest to me from TravelAlerts.ca. We will use your postal code and name to better tailor the offers, promotions, communications, and other information that we send to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. See TravelAlerts.ca’s privacy policy for details. Travelalerts.ca, a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd. 1 Yonge St, 4th floor, Toronto, ON M5E 1E6 www.travelalerts.ca, feedback@travelalerts.ca.